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"We obviously can't let theovern into, I should think"

"We need to prepare a response, Your Majesty," Dockson said "So this deceitfulfor the very safety of the city Now that I look back, it's obvious that they arranged thisso that you couldn't be present and defend yourself"

Elend nodded, still staring up at the dark glass "There's probably no need to call me Your Majesty anymore, Dox"

"Nonsense," Tindwyl said, ar"

"I've lost the mandate of the people," Elend said

"Yes," Clubs said, "but you've still got theno matter what the Assembly says"

"Exactly," Tindwyl said "Foolish laws aside, you're still in a position of power We need to tighten martial law, restrict movement within the city Seize control of key points, and sequester the members of the Asseainst you"

"I'll have ht," Clubs said

"No," Elend said quietly

There was a pause

"Your Majesty?" Dockson asked "It really is the best ain momentum"

"It's not a faction, Dox," Elend said "It's the elected representatives of the Assembly"

"An Assembly you forave it to theives them their power, Breeze," Elend said "And we are all subject to it"

"Nonsense," Tindwyl said "As king, you are the law Once we secure the city, you can call in the Assembly and explain to its ree can be held until the crisis is over"

"No," Elend said, a little more firm "We will do none of that"

"That's it, then?" Ha up, Haroup "But I' to use the city's armies to pressure the Assembly"

"You'll lose your throne," Breeze said

"See reason, Elend," Ham said with a nod

"I will not be an exception to my os!" Elend said

"Don't be a fool," Tindwyl said "You should--"

"Tindwyl," Elend said, "respond to ain I will not be belittled because I express my opinion!"

Tindwyl paused, ether and took her seat Vin felt a quiet surge of satisfaction You trained hiht with a smile Can you really complain if he stands up to you?

Elend walked forward, placing his hands on the table as he regarded the group "Yes, ill respond Dox, you write a letter infors of betrayal--inforuilt as thickly as possible

"The rest of us will begin planning We'll get the throne back As has been stated, I know the larote it There are ways to deal with this Those ways do not, however, include sending our armies to secure the city I will not be like the tyrants ould take Luthadel from us! I will not force the people to do my will, even if I know it is best for them"

"Your Majesty," Tindwyl said carefully, "there is nothing i a ti such ti leadership They need you"

"Only if they want ive me, Your Majesty," Tindwyl said, "but that statement seems somewhat naive to e e the soul of who I a the Assembly depose me, if that is their choice"

Tindwyl frowned "And if you can't get your throne back through lawful means?"

"Then I accept that fact," Elend said "And do doht However, she couldn't help s Part of what she loved about Elend was his sincerity His simple love for the people of Luthadel--his deterht for them--hat separated him from Kelsier Even in ance He'd made certain that he would be remembered like fewthe Central Dolory For the first ti Elend was a far better king than Kelsier would ever have been

"I'mnot certain what I think of this experience, Mistress," a voice whispered beside her Vin paused, looking down as she realized that she had begun idly scratching OreSeur's ears

She pulled her hand back with a start "Sorry," she said

OreSeur shrugged, resting his head back on his paws